Patri McLaughlin wins the One Eye Kite Surf Pro

The ninth day of the holding period blessed wave riders with pristine ocean waves to crown the event champions. The powerful Cozzolino was pitted against the barrel-hunting McLaughlin in a final that saw several lead changes and some of the best tube rides of the event.

McLaughlin got off to a great start with an opening wave score of 6.83 to Cozzolino's 4.5. However, Cozzolino answered back with an 8.5 to give him the lead at the midpoint of the final.

"I'm so stoked right now I don't even know what to say", said the overwhelmed McLaughlin. "I got the biggest closeout barrel of my life in that final, and I am just so happy to be here."

McLaughlin's never-say-die attitude finally paid off in the final moments of the heat with the event title on the line. Pulling into a seemingly un-makeable barrel, McLaughlin emerged claiming the first 10-point ride of the competition. Cozzolino scored a 7.5 late in the heat, but was unable to overtake McLaughlin for the title of the One Eye Kite Surf Pro.

The men's 3rd place final featured Luke McGillewie against Sebastian Ribeiro in a battle that saw the momentum of the young McGillewie finally stopped by the powerful, flowing backside riding of the on-fire Brazilian.

On the women's side, the much-anticipated battle between the local knowledge of Bichler and the hotshot riding of Jalou Langeree was a nail biter right down to the wire.

In the end, Bichler's superior wave selection proved to be the difference in a final that highlighted her relationship with the intricacies of the break at One Eye.

"I felt more pressure this year trying to defend my title, but I was able to catch some good waves and felt in tune with the ocean today. I am just so happy to win the event again here at my home spot in front of my local crew," said Bichler.

Following the completion of the main event, the 6-heat Expression Session began in exceptional conditions. Mauricio Pedreira, Milla Ferreira and local rider Max Bonieux took top honors for best barrel rides in their respective categories.